Paxton Dismisses Polling Deficit in Texas Senate Race, Says Voters Will Reject ‘Real’ Talarico

Texas Republicans face a critical test as Democratic state lawmaker James Talarico leads in recent polling against Attorney General Ken Paxton in their battle for a pivotal Senate seat. A Fox News survey showed Talarico holding a narrow 51% to 48% advantage, with an even wider margin among highly motivated voters at 53% to 47%. The race has drawn national attention as Democrats seek their first statewide victory in Texas after decades of electoral struggles.

Paxton characterized his polling deficit as temporary, attributing it to a three-month fundraising disadvantage following his competitive primary runoff against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. He claimed Talarico’s campaign has spent approximately $2 million weekly to build his current lead. Despite the financial disparity, Paxton expressed confidence that voters will ultimately reject what he termed the “fake” version of his opponent once Texans learn more about Talarico’s legislative record and public statements.

The Republican candidate highlighted controversial positions he says Talarico has advanced, including claims that “God is nonbinary,” advocacy for reducing meat consumption as a climate solution, and support for what Paxton characterized as pro-transgender policies. Paxton argued that Talarico has shifted his stated positions for the general election after running further left during primary campaigns, though the Democratic campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

Recent fundraising filings underscore the financial challenge facing Paxton. According to Federal Election Commission data reported in late July, Talarico outraised his opponent by more than three-to-one, collecting $31.6 million compared to Paxton’s $9.3 million. Roughly half of Talarico’s contributions came from out-of-state donors, particularly California, while about 25% of Paxton’s funds originated outside Texas.

Fox News polling revealed additional headwinds for Paxton, with 59% of Texas voters expressing concerns about his character, compared to 47% worried that Talarico represents an “extreme” position for the state. Paxton responded by accusing Talarico of concealing a “socialist” agenda behind a moderate facade and pledged to continue emphasizing their fundamental differences through the November election.

The attorney general outlined his economic platform, proposing a $50,000 first-time homebuyer tax deduction, $25,000 annual deductions for medical expenses, doubling the child tax credit, and a $5,000 healthy living deduction for fitness and nutrition costs. Paxton predicted that with three months remaining before voters decide, increased resource allocation and voter education about Talarico’s record will ultimately favor Republicans and reject what he called a socialist Democrat for Texas.